Zhenya

Mixing&Mastering

Zhenya on SoundBetter

Hi, I’m Zhenya — Mixing Engineer dedicated to bringing your sound to life. With over 5 years of experience and a finely tuned ear for detail, I specialize in mixing tracks that not only sound great but feel right. Whether you're an indie artist, producer, or label, I’m here to help you achieve a clean, punchy, and emotionally impactful mix.

I’m a mixing engineer with a deep appreciation for musical detail and emotional impact. I work across all genres, but I’m especially passionate about instrumental music and vocal-centric tracks. There’s something incredibly rewarding about carving out space for each instrument to breathe — letting the arrangement unfold naturally — while making the vocal feel intimate, powerful, and connected to the listener.

I use a hybrid workflow combining Waves and UAD plugins to achieve clarity, warmth, and a polished sound that translates across all systems. Whether it’s a cinematic instrumental or a heartfelt vocal performance, my goal is always the same: to honor the artist’s vision and bring out the soul of the track.

Let’s create something beautiful together.

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Interview with Zhenya

  1. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  2. A: I believe both analog and digital tools have their unique strengths, and the best results come from combining them. Analog gear brings warmth, character, and a certain musicality that’s hard to replicate digitally. That’s why I rely on UAD plugins, which emulate classic analog hardware, to add that richness and depth to my mixes. On the other hand, digital tools like Waves plugins and the flexibility of DAWs such as Logic Pro X provide precision, speed, and versatility that are essential in modern mixing. Using a hybrid approach allows me to balance the best of both worlds — achieving mixes that are both technically clean and emotionally engaging.

  3. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  4. A: What I love most about my job is being able to help artists bring their vision to life through sound. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking raw recordings and shaping them into a polished mix that truly connects with listeners emotionally. I enjoy the creative problem-solving involved in balancing instruments and vocals, and the satisfaction that comes when a mix finally clicks and feels just right. Every project is unique, and being part of that artistic journey is what keeps me passionate about what I do.

  5. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  6. A: One of the biggest misconceptions about mixing engineers is that our job is just about turning up the volume or adding cool effects. In reality, mixing is a highly detailed and creative process that requires both technical skill and musical sensitivity. It’s about balancing elements, shaping tones, and enhancing the emotional impact of a song — all while respecting the artist’s vision. A great mix doesn’t just sound loud or polished; it makes the listener feel something and connects them to the music on a deeper level. That’s what I strive to achieve with every project.

  7. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  8. A: When starting a project, I ask my clients several key questions to ensure I fully understand their vision and expectations: What is the overall mood or emotion you want the song to convey? Are there any reference tracks you love that reflect the sound you’re aiming for? What’s the intended release platform (streaming, radio, film, etc.)? Are there specific elements or instruments you want to highlight or keep subtle? Do you have any mix preferences or technical notes (e.g., vocal treatment, effects, loudness)? What’s your timeline and budget for the project? These questions help me tailor the mix to fit your unique style and goals, making the process smoother and the result more satisfying.

  9. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  10. A: My advice is to choose someone who truly listens to your vision and communicates openly throughout the process. A great mixing engineer doesn’t just push faders — they understand the emotion behind your music and work to bring that out while maintaining technical excellence. Make sure to check their portfolio and ask about their workflow to see if it aligns with your needs. And don’t hesitate to provide clear feedback — collaboration is key to getting a mix you love. Finding the right fit can make all the difference in turning your recordings into a polished, impactful final product.

  11. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  12. A: If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take five pieces of gear, I’d choose tools that let me work efficiently and creatively: Logic Pro X — my DAW of choice for all mixing and production work. Waves plugins — versatile and powerful for shaping any sound. UAD plugins — for their analog warmth and character. Yamaha HS5 monitors — reliable reference monitors with a flat response. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro headphones — for detailed and accurate critical listening anywhere. With this setup, I could mix and produce music with clarity and emotion, no matter where I was.

  13. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  14. A: I’ve been working as a mixing engineer for 5 years. My journey began with a passion for music and sound, leading me to study audio production and gain hands-on experience in various studios. Over time, I developed a deep understanding of mixing techniques, acoustics, and the use of plugins like Waves and UAD to craft professional, polished mixes. Working with a diverse range of artists and genres has shaped my approach and allowed me to refine my skills continually. Today, I focus on blending technical precision with a strong musical sensibility to help artists bring their vision to life.

  15. Q: How would you describe your style?

  16. A: My style is all about musicality, clarity, and emotional connection. I strive to create mixes that not only sound clean and balanced but also bring out the feeling and personality behind the music. I focus on making vocals feel intimate and expressive while ensuring the instrumental parts have depth and space to breathe. Using a combination of precision processing and creative touches with Waves and UAD plugins, I aim to deliver mixes that are both technically polished and artistically vibrant.

  17. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  18. A: Focus on creating space in your mix. One of the most important keys to a professional-sounding mix is giving each instrument and vocal its own space in the frequency spectrum and stereo field. Use EQ to carve out conflicting frequencies, and apply panning thoughtfully to separate elements. This helps the mix feel clear and balanced, making every part easier to hear and more impactful.

  19. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  20. A: I work across a wide range of genres, but I have a particular passion for instrumental music and vocal-driven tracks. This includes everything from cinematic and ambient compositions to pop, rock, and electronic productions. My experience allows me to adapt my mixing approach to suit the style and emotional intent of each project, whether it’s a lush, detailed instrumental or a powerful vocal performance.

  21. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  22. A: My strongest skill is crafting vocal presence — making vocals sound clear, intimate, and emotionally engaging while perfectly fitting them into the instrumental mix. I have a keen ear for detail and know how to use processing with Waves and UAD plugins to enhance the vocal without losing its natural character. Alongside that, I excel at creating balanced, transparent mixes where every instrument has its place, and the overall sound feels cohesive and dynamic. This combination allows me to deliver mixes that truly bring the artist’s vision to life.

  23. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  24. A: I bring clarity, balance, and emotional depth to every song I work on. My goal is to make sure every element — from the smallest instrumental detail to the lead vocal — has its own space and purpose in the mix. I focus on highlighting the artist’s vision by enhancing the mood and energy without overpowering the natural character of the performance. Using my experience and a carefully crafted workflow with Waves and UAD plugins, I deliver mixes that sound polished, dynamic, and ready to connect with listeners on any platform. Ultimately, I bring a musical ear and technical precision that help transform raw recordings into captivating, professional-sounding tracks.

  25. Q: What's your typical work process?

  26. A: My process always starts with listening — not just to the track, but to the artist's vision. Before I touch any faders, I take time to understand what the client wants emotionally and sonically. Once I import the stems into Logic Pro X, I organize and clean the session, then move into gain staging and balancing. From there, I shape the sound using Waves and UAD plugins, focusing first on the foundation (drums, bass, rhythm instruments), then moving to the vocal — which I treat as the emotional center of most mixes. Throughout the mix, I constantly reference different playback systems (Yamaha HS5 monitors, DT 880 Pro headphones) and make revisions based on client feedback. Communication is key — I keep the artist involved and make sure every mix feels like their record, just fully realized.

  27. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  28. A: My studio is a hybrid setup optimized for clarity and precision. I work in Logic Pro X, combining industry-standard plugins like Waves and UAD with an acoustically treated room to make confident mix decisions. For monitoring, I use Yamaha HS5 speakers — their honesty and flat response help me spot issues quickly — paired with Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro headphones for detailed referencing and critical listening. This combination allows me to work accurately across the frequency spectrum, especially when dialing in vocal tones and balancing complex arrangements. My workflow is built around transparency, depth, and emotional connection, and my setup gives me the flexibility to mix music that sounds great on everything from studio monitors to phone speakers.

  29. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  30. A: I’m inspired by a wide range of producers and engineers who bring both technical precision and emotional depth to their work. People like Manny Marroquin, Serban Ghenea, and Andrew Scheps have influenced the way I think about space, tone, and movement in a mix. Their ability to make vocals shine while keeping everything balanced and musical is something I really admire. On the instrumental side, I find a lot of inspiration in composers and sound designers like Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, and Ryuichi Sakamoto — artists who create atmosphere through subtlety and texture. They remind me that sometimes the most powerful thing in a mix is what you choose not to include. Their work pushes me to stay creative, listen deeper, and always serve the emotion of the music first.

  31. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  32. A: The most common work I do is mixing vocal-driven tracks and instrumental music — from solo artists to producers working across various genres. My clients often come to me when they need their vocals to sit perfectly in the mix, sounding polished but still natural and emotionally engaging. On the instrumental side, I help shape mixes where space, depth, and clarity are essential — whether it’s a lush cinematic piece, lo-fi beat, or live band recording. I focus on giving each element its own place, while enhancing the overall cohesion and feel of the track. Every project gets my full attention — I listen closely to the artist’s vision and make sure the final mix reflects the energy, tone, and message they intended.

loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next
DavidTyo LongWayHome

I was the Mixing Engineer in this production

More Photos